#asktheexpert hi Doctor madam
my daughter Mishita 2yrs 7 m old
she is not taking food properly

Question

#asktheexpert hi Doctor madam 
my daughter Mishita 2yrs 7 m old 
she is not taking food properly

Accepted Answer

It can be concerning when a toddler isn't eating properly, but there are several strategies you can try to encourage healthy eating habits in your daughter. Here are some tips:

### 1. Offer a Variety of Foods:
- Provide a wide range of nutritious foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy products. Offering variety ensures she gets a balanced diet and may increase her interest in eating.

### 2. Be Creative with Presentation:
- Make meals visually appealing by arranging food in fun shapes or using colorful plates and utensils. Getting creative with presentation can make mealtime more engaging for your daughter.

### 3. Set Regular Meal and Snack Times:
- Establish a consistent schedule for meals and snacks, with approximately 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. Having structured mealtimes can help regulate appetite and encourage healthy eating habits.

### 4. Offer Small, Frequent Meals:
- Instead of large portions, offer smaller, more frequent meals and snacks throughout the day. This can prevent your daughter from feeling overwhelmed and may increase her overall intake.

### 5. Involve Your Daughter in Meal Preparation:
- Invite your daughter to help with meal preparation, such as washing fruits and vegetables, stirring ingredients, or assembling simple dishes. Involving her in the cooking process may make her more interested in trying new foods.

### 6. Be a Role Model:
- Be mindful of your own eating habits and attitudes towards food, as children often mimic their parents' behaviors. Eat meals together as a family and demonstrate healthy eating habits for your daughter to emulate.

### 7. Avoid Pressuring or Forcing:
- Avoid pressuring or forcing your daughter to eat, as this can create negative associations with food and lead to mealtime battles. Instead, offer food without coercion and let her decide how much to eat.

### 8. Offer Nutrient-Dense Foods:
- Focus on offering nutrient-dense foods that provide essential nutrients in smaller portions, such as eggs, yogurt, nuts, and whole grains. These foods can help meet her nutritional needs even if she eats smaller amounts.

### 9. Stay Calm and Patient:
- Stay calm and patient during mealtimes, even if your daughter is being picky or refusing to eat certain foods. Offer encouragement and praise for trying new foods or eating well.

### 10. Consult a Healthcare Professional:
- If your daughter's eating habits persistently concern you or if she experiences significant weight loss or nutritional deficiencies, consult her pediatrician or a registered dietitian for personalized advice and guidance.

### Conclusion:
Encouraging healthy eating habits in toddlers can take time and patience. By offering a variety of nutritious foods, maintaining a positive mealtime environment, and being patient and supportive, you can help your daughter develop healthy eating habits that will benefit her in the long run.

#asktheexpert hi Doctor madam my daughter Mishita 2yrs 7 m old she is not taking food properly